Member-only story
Reading As A Writer
Reading is more than a way for me to pass the time. It serves several purposes. When I’m reading a good book, it helps me to relax and get out of my head. I can forget about things which are bothering me and enter the world of my characters and focus on their unfolding story. A well-crafted story can ignite inspiration for writing another article or poem. I have always been an avid reader. As a child, I devoured any book I could get my hands on. It is something I carried with me through my teens and into adulthood.
“I think writers are observers and watchers. We always have our ears open and eyes open, so I might see something in everyday life that inspires me. And I think that’s probably more than anything else. Every day life is where I get my inspiration.” Kevin Henkes
Therapeutic
Reading was a coping mechanism I used as a child to get through stressful situations. Escaping from events occurring in the world around me and transporting me to one where I felt safe and happy.I spent a lot of my childhood in waiting rooms as a child, and reading was something I could do to pass the time. It also provided my active imagination something to latch onto and kept it away from focusing on the scary and painful experiences. In an otherwise terrifying situation, it was a soothing activity.
